Question

Two statements are given. Choose the correct option based on the statements
Statements :
1. Election Commission of India is a constitutional body
2. Election Commission of India conducts elections to Corporations

• A. Only the statement (1) is true
• B. Only the statement (2) is true
• C. Both statements (1) and (2) are true
• D. Both statements (1) and (2) are false

Hint:

Remember the division of electoral duties in India:
- ECI = National level + State Legislatures.
- SEC = Local bodies (Panchayats and Municipal Corporations).
This distinction was introduced by the landmark 73rd and 74th Amendments in 1992.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question tests the candidate's understanding of the constitution, duties, and jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
We need to evaluate the accuracy of the two statements provided.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Refer to Article 324 of the Constitution of India which establishes the ECI, and the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts which introduced local self-governments.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us evaluate Statement 1: "Election Commission of India is a constitutional body"
- A body is constitutional if it is directly established by the provisions of the Constitution of India.
- Article 324 explicitly establishes the Election Commission of India.
- Therefore, Statement 1 is true.

• Let us evaluate Statement 2: "Election Commission of India conducts elections to Corporations"
- Under Article 324, the ECI is responsible for conducting elections to:
1. Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
2. State Legislatures (Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils).
3. The Office of the President of India.
4. The Office of the Vice-President of India.
- ECI has no jurisdiction over local body elections such as Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, or Panchayats.
- These local body elections are conducted exclusively by the State Election Commissions (SECs) under Articles 243K and 243ZA.
- Therefore, Statement 2 is false.

• Since Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false, the correct option is Option (A).


Step 4: Final Answer:
Only Statement 1 is true, which corresponds to Option (A).